As its Chancellor, Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes O.R.T.T., President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago extends condolences on the passing of yet another member of the Distinguished Society of Trinidad and Tobago.
Professor Gordon Rohlehr (Emeritus) at the University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus was awarded the Chaconia Medal SILVER in the Spheres of Literature, Culture, History and Education at the National Awards 2022.
The citation at his investiture reads:
Professor Emeritus Rohlehr designed, piloted and taught the first course in West Indian Literature. He later became active in the expansion and development of the course offerings in English and was central to the introduction and teaching of American Literature and Post Colonial Literature. His conviction was that literature had a fundamental role to play in developing adequate self-awareness without prejudice to the requirements of the wider world. His publications demonstrate insight, critical awareness and consciousness of the integration of the many social, historical, linguistic and political currents undergirding Caribbean reality.
His most significant contribution to raise national consciousness has been his phenomenal work on calypso. He has traced calypso’s historical development and social relevance and has explored issues such as masculinity and gender long before these terms gained currency.
May the soul of the late Professor Emeritus Gordon Rohlehr rest in eternal peace.
